Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I followed Net-à-Porter‘s invitation to Greece for a so-called Aegean Escape at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, that will officially open its doors in June 2024. Honestly, I cannot wait to share all these fabulous moments with you. Let me get started with the Aquazzura Alfresco Lunch at Bond Beach Club on the second day.

The setting featuring lemons and tableware from Aquazzura Casa was breathtaking and I matched the yellow striped decor without knowing. On display was the beautiful new Aquazzura Riviera collection, that is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter.

Inspired by Mediterranean summers and La Dolce Vita, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch in an amazing setting on beautifully embroidered linens in an array of joyful patterns and vivid colors. I cannot wait to show you every moment of this trip. Thank you to the wonderful Net-à-Porter team for spoiling me rotten!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
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Be seduced by the vibrant atmosphere of the Aquazzura summer collection celebrating your favorite holiday destinations: a colorful, sunny, fruity selection that will make you dream of fashionable adventures.

You can choose between tote or clutch bag. Each is decorated with beads in a geometric pattern featuring the Mediterranean destination at the center, and made from raffia in a structured shape outlined in leather trims. Team it with the matching slides that will be a beautiful addition to your warm-weather wardrobe.

Whether you’re traveling to Ibiza, St. Tropez, Sicily, Mykonos or dreaming of making the trip, this collection will immediately boost your mood.

THE COLLECTION IS EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT NET-À-PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
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The internationally acclaimed artist and photographer and my neighbor Michel Comte has created the exclusive MC Eyewear eyewear collection in collaboration with the innovative Zurich eyewear store  Optiker Zwicker. A connection rooted in a random encounter in a vintage shop to a long-standing passion for unique eyewear,  the joint venture sets new standards in design and individuality – a true testament to Comte’s lifelong dedication and the traditional expertise of Optiker Zwicker.

Michel Comte with me in his atelier

Comte, who photographed icons such as Louise Bourgeois, Miles Davis, Jeremy Irons and Karl Lagerfeld, was 18 years old, when he had his first custom made glasses at Optiker Zwicker. After meeting Yves Saint-Laurent for the first time at Kronenhalle restaurant in Zurich, he was immediately drawn to the designer’s eyewear that immediately after, Michel Comte designed his first pair of glasses and had them made by the oldest optician in Zurich. Since then, Comte has created his own pairs of glasses at different places and at different times.

Michel Comte: «Today I’m back in my hometown and am lucky enough to be working with optician Zwicker – where it all began – and launching a special eyewear collection.The glasses in this new collection are for people who want to make a statement. They are for everyone who knows that glasses not only improve vision, but also underline their personality.»

The MC Eyewear eyewear collection currently includes three models: Nearco, Luna and Bianca – each named after important figures in Comte’s life. Nearco was his racehorse in the 1970s, Luna was his dog while living in Los Angeles, and Bianca, his Himalayan cat, was named in honor of social and human rights activist Bianca Jagger. Further designs are already being planned. Each frame is designed in Switzerland and carefully made from acetate in Germany in Wissing. The frames can be worn as both optical glasses and sunglasses. The cost of a model is around CHF 1,250.

The MC Eyewear collection is now available exclusively at Optiker Zwicker am Paradeplatz in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Michel Comte / Optiker Zwicker and © Sandra Bauknecht
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But(t) there is always another side to the story … :-).
I love the collaboration between Jean Paul Gaultier and KNWLS, the south London based brand designed by Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault. The epic pieces fuse the disruptive femininity and fierceness of the UK-based label with the punk rebellion, grit and glamour of the famous French couture fashion house.

My look: Shearling-trimmed leather vest, printed mesh turtleneck top, and printed mesh flared pants, all by Jean Paul Gaultier x KNWLS, Aevitas leather platform ankle boots by Versace, elephant mini crystal-embellished suede shoulder bag by Loewe, gold aviator sunglasses by Chloé, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet SM in yellow gold with 10 diamonds, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, all by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold by CHANEL Fine Jewelry.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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On good authority from Lady Whistledown, a social event not to be missed is coming to the ton this season…

Dust off your Regency best, as I present a new afternoon tea experience inspired by Bridgerton. The latest in the innovative series of seasonal afternoon teas, the limited-edition menu pays homage to the Regency era; a time of great revelling and high style, of elegant parties, balls, and grand dinners, with a contemporary twist.

Setting the scene, the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea takes place in The Lanesborough’s richly decorated Regency dining room in Knightsbridge, naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof.

Carefully crafted by our Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton Season 3 and is comprised of a selection of finger sandwiches and pastry tartlets, delectable scones, cream and jam, and four signature sweet treats.

Bridgerton will return for an ultra-lavish and highly anticipated season 3 this year, which follows the long-awaited friends-to-lovers romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. This season celebrates the blossoming of the ton’s resident wallflower and will be split into two 4-episode parts, with Part 1 premiering on May 16, 2024, followed by Part 2 on June 13, 2024 on Netflix.

Served exclusively at The Lanesborough in London from 16th May 2024. Make haste, and secure your booking – it would be quite the scandal to miss it…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough
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Lights, camera, action! Introducing the new must-have for the summer season: meet the CHANEL Camera bag, a fresh addition to the S/S 2024 collection. While CHANEL has always been known for its iconic camera bags, this season brings a playful twist – a literal camera bag with a mirror in the lens. Seen on the runway in classic black, beige, white, and burgundy red, this fun design carries a touch of nostalgia. Featuring a timeless chain shoulder strap, the bag was showcased both crossbody and on the shoulder of runway models.

It’s one of the investment pieces you should get your hands on! I went for the white one… happy as a bug!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Balenciaga brand ambassador Nicole Kidman showcases the Rodeo Bag in a new campaign photographed by Mario Sorrenti, alongside Chinese actor and singer Yang Chaoyue, and American model Amelia Gray. The exquisitely crafted instant icon, named for a Drive in Beverly Hills, is customized with a selection of charms.

Their individuality is on display, set against a soft grey field in striking portraits. The Balenciaga Rodeo Bag is crafted in exquisite calfskin with a matte finish. Its one-of-a-kind construction and versatile closure options effect a relaxed attitude. Pre-worn pleats, softened piping, and raw edges call to mind a favorite item worn daily, or an heirloom passed between generations.

Included in the campaign are a selection of charms that are individually added for customization and differentiation purposes. The decorations or their absence imbue each Rodeo Bag with its own unique personality, complementing its wearer’s.

On the S/S 2024 runway, there was also a fully customized limited edition, that is available for € 9500.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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Separate from the traditional seasonal collection releases is the latest series in Balenciaga’s brand – It’s A Different Campaign. The assortment boasts the likings of unconventional proportions, melded archetypes and homages to the typical silhouettes. Among the featured items are the Rodeo Bag and the Collector Rodeo Bag, along with a distressed Sock-On-Heel and Cargo Sneakers in silver and gold accents.

Collector Rodeo Bag and Rodeo Bag (S/S 2024)

Tape Bracelet (F/W 2024)

Personally speaking, Balenciaga is now like a new kind of Moschino, sporting this tongue-in-cheek humor I adore in fashion. Demna Gvasalia takes it even up a notch by selling polyester and daily appliances for a lot of money, such as the tape bracelet spotted on the F/W 2024 runway that is said to cost around $3300 and that has had the internet roaring. It is merely the latest in Balenciaga’s long, proud, provocative tradition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga / Instagram
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F1 Arcade has arrived in the USA with Boston being the first spot to experience all the excitement, drama, and glamour of Formula 1 and Washington D.C later in the year. In Europe, you can find the experience in London and Birmingham.

However, if you find yourself hoping over the pond, I recommend visiting the US venue in the Boston Seaport district. F1 Arcade is a thrilling new simulation racing experience, and probably the only place in the world where you can get drunk driving. Not that I recommend this, but here you can bar, dine and race at once.

Featuring full-motion racing simulators, typical American food and a selection of enticing drinks, this is truly unrivaled social gaming. Racing is thirsty work. You can grab a much-needed pit stop at the really cool cocktail bar, that is featuring an impressive list of vintage Champagne cocktails. So, Anouk and I decided not to wait any longer and assemble our pit crew, grab a cocktail, and take the wheel of an F1 simulator for an electrifying experience we’ll never forget.

To book your racing experience, click here please.

F1 ARCADE SEAPORT DISTRICT
87 Pier 4 Blvd Boston MA 02210 United States

Even the restrooms match the theme and feature different light installations of race tracks in every cabin.

Racers, start your engines!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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TAG Heuer is bringing the TAG Heuer Formula 1 back with the singular American lifestyle brand Kith in new, upgraded materials. Kith (sometimes stylized as KITH) was established in New York City in 2011 by Ronnie Fieg.

The duo is embarking on a cutting-edge collaboration to reintroduce the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 originally released in 1986. The new collection of timepieces features the beloved TAG Heuer Formula 1 in 10 bold colourways inspired by standout models from TAG Heuer’s past. Alongside Kith, TAG Heuer is reintroducing an ‘80s icon built on strong design codes and standout colours.

In a groundbreaking move, for the first time in TAG Heuer’s illustrious history, the luxury Swiss watchmaker is merging its logo with a collaborative partner. TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith features a reworked version of the insignia that combines Kith and Heuer on the dial, rubber strap, and caseback.

With the original TAG Heuer Formula 1, TAG Heuer helped countless collectors fall in love with watches. Now, they are invited to become infatuated with this distinctive, incredibly stylish model all over again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © TAG Heuer
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